[Cheshire Cat cosplay] Azur Lane CICF Expo Float Parade: Blue-and-White Romance

On Day 1 of CICF Expo, the Guangzhou weather matched everyone's soaring enthusiasm. Today was my showcase day cosplaying Cheshire Cat from Azur Lane, coinciding perfectly with the Anime float parade. Stepping into the venue, that singular ACG ambiance was unmistakable—especially when the floats rolled by, making it feel as if a portal to the 2D world had genuinely opened.

I spent extensive time preparing this Cheshire Cat ensemble. The silver-gray short wig features vivid cyan-blue streaks, with the curve of the bangs tailored specifically to mirror the canon design. On my head sits a wide-brimmed bonnet adorned with blue satin ribbons and white lace, complementing the blue-and-white tiered lace dress. The deep V-neckline introduces a touch of allure while keeping the character's mischievous playfulness intact. Holding a long-handled white paper umbrella served dual purposes—acting as a photo prop and shading against the harsh outdoor sun. The detached sleeves layer sheer tulle with lace flounces, fluttering gracefully as I walk, though they tend to snag easily, requiring extra care while navigating through the crowds.

Between parade intervals, I met many enthusiastic photographers and attendees. Everyone was incredibly courteous, asking before taking photos, and I gladly accommodated different angles. The peace-sign shot was snapped in a relaxed moment right after angling the umbrella when the lighting aligned, leading to a spontaneous pose for the camera. Later in the crowd, I ran into Gaogao; meeting fellow creators at a convention is always a joy, and we swapped tips on wig styling and makeup setting.

Since these were outdoor Convention photo shots, lighting was abundant, but temperatures were noticeably high. Keeping makeup intact required serious effort, especially around the eyes and base. Ice-blue contacts paired with blended reddish eyeshadow created a dreamy, ethereal anime look through the lens—dramatic in person, but that is the very joy of cosplay.

Shooting on-site at conventions truly tests physical endurance, particularly in multi-layered attire while carrying a parasol throughout. Seeing how the blue-and-white tones rendered under the sunlight made every drop of sweat worthwhile. The atmosphere during the Anime float parade was phenomenal, with attendees gathering into a flowing spectacle. I kept recalibrating my energy throughout the route to give the camera my best presence. Day 1 of a con is always the most exhausting yet thrilling; ready to bring more energy tomorrow and capture even more memorable Convention photo moments.